• “Tahoe’s intention to be a national clean energy leader, no matter what is happening in Washington, D.C.”

The city of South Lake Tahoe, on the California side of the state line with Nevada, plans to transition entirely to renewable sources of electricity by 2032.

The city is said to be the 26th in the United States to commit to 100 percent clean and renewable energy.

“South Lake Tahoe’s commitment for 100 percent renewable electricity is driven by our community,” says Mayor Austin Sass. “The passion to protect our natural resources made this commitment possible, and reflects the city's vision statement to ‘reflect the National Treasure in which we live.’”

The announcement is grounded in a chilling reality. Winter tourism represents a $12.2 billion dollar industry, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining the economies of communities throughout the country. Yet rising temperatures and climate disruption are endangering the future of many places where decreased snowpack threatens local industry.

Fourteen of the 15 hottest years on record globally have occurred since the beginning of this century, and 2016 is currently on track to be added to that list. By the end of the century, it is estimated that only six of the 19 cities that have previously hosted the Winter Olympics could be cold enough to host again.

“Given the impact that fossil fuel-driven climate change is already having on Lake Tahoe and our mountain communities, it’s critical that the region lead the way toward the bold clean energy solutions that we need to take for our kids and grandkids," says John Fredrich, of South Lake Tahoe and online campaign manager with the advocacy group with Climate Parents. “By committing to powering South Lake Tahoe with 100 percent clean and renewable energy, the City Council today has established Tahoe’s intention to be a national clean energy leader, no matter what is happening in Washington, D.C.”